Coupling device



Patented June Q, 1942 UNTE STATES -ATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in coupling devices especially adaptable for oil wells, water wells and the like.

An object of the invention is to provide a coupling device of generally improved design.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a coupling which is very eflicient and reliable in use.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a coupling which is designed to prevent accidental disconnection.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a coupling of the above character which is easily and conveniently operable to connect or detach the coupling sections.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a coupling device of the above character which will enable substantial saving in operating costs.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description progresses.

In the accompanying drawing forming apart of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional View through the device showing the male section in its initial position for connection.

Figure 2 is -a similar view showing the sections in completely connected relation,

Figures 3, 4, and 6 are transverse sectional views taken on lines 3 3, 6 4, 5 5 and 6 6 respectively, of Figure 1,

Figure '7 is a fragmentary longitudinal section taken on line 1 1 of Figure 4, and

Figure 8 is a longitudinal section taken on line 8 8 of Figure 1.

Referring in detail to the drawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred example of the invention, IB generally designates the male section of my improved coupling device, this section embodying a round stem Il which may be screw threaded at its upper end as indicated at I2 for connection with the sucker rods, wire line or the like of a well. At the bottom end of the stem is formed a coupling head I3 embodying a iiat rectangular shank portionv I4 of elongated rectangular formation in cross section merging into a bottom projection I5 diminishing to a point at the outer end. The opposed longitudinal side edges of the projection I5 are transversely beveled, at opposite sides, to form converging guide facets I6.

The section I0 is designed to releasably connect with a complementary coupling section Il embodying an elongated cylindrical body formed with a socket I8 at the bottom closed end adapted for connection with` a well pump or the like.

At the top of the section I'I is formed a flaring inlet bore I9 having a diminishing longitudinal taper from the outer edge portion of the body, at the upper extremity, to a diametrical rectangular shaped slot 20. This inlet slot registers with complementary opposed guide channels 2| extending downwardly from the inlet part to a point below the longitudinal center of the body. Throughout the major length of the body are provided complementary opposed guide channels 22 right angular to the channels 2l and extending to the bottom end of the body. On opposed sides of the tapering inlet bore'll are formed complementary ribs 23 having a gradually diminishing taper toward the lower ends and longitudinally spiralled so as to guide the head I3 into the inlet slot ZIJ, as shown to advantage at Figures 1 and 3.

As illustrated at Figure 4, the opposed pairs -of guide channels 2I and 22 define therebetween longitudinal ribs 24 of triangular cross section which merge, at the top, into the enlarged slot forming wall structure which provides, at the top of the channels 22, inwardly protruding shoulder portions 25. In the lower portion of the body adiagonally opposed pair of the ribs 24 are shaped to terminate as indicated at 26, at points substantially above the bottom, while the opposite Pair of ribs are shaped, from points below the termination of the otherribs to points just above the socket bottom, to form spirally curved diagonally opposed guide surfaces 21. These complementary spiral surfaces are shaped to gradually turn into vertical alignment with the side walls of the guide channels 22 and form a tapered bottom stop 28.

Thus, to effect connection of the coupling sections Ii) and I'I, when the latter is in a submerged position in a well, the male section II] is lowered onto the section I1 and the ribbed inlet bore thereof automatically guides the head I3 to a position wherein this head assumes a position in registration with and slides through the inlet slot 20. Continued lowering of the head causes it to traverse a straight downward movement in the channels 2| until it engages the spiral rib surfaces 21. During its descent along these spiral surfaces the head is turned through a one-quarter turn and attains a position in the bottom of the socket in registration with the vertical channels 22. Upon elevation of the head from this point it slides upwardly in the channels 22 until the top of the shank I4 engages the shoulder extensions 25 to lock the couplings in connected assembly so that further elevation of the head through the sucker rods or like connection will exert a pull on the bottom section.

Should such operation be advantageous the head I 3 may be reciprocated in the socket section to repeatedly strike the shoulder projections 25 to impart percussion action to the socket section. Similarly, the bottom end of the socket section may be subjected to hammering or tapping by reciprocating the head I3 in the lower portion in the guide channels 22 so as to strike the bottom of the section I'I.

In order to close the top of the socket section I'I when the coupling sections are united, to prevent the entrance of foreign matter therein, I consider it advantageous that a slidable cap 28 be mounted on the stem Il so as to fit upon the top of the inlet bore I9, as shown to advantage at Figure 2.

The male section I of the coupling may be readily detached from the complementary socket section Il by lowering the head I3 to the bottom of the channels 22 and imparting a counterclockwise turning movement thereto so as to cause the head, upon elevation with respect to the socket section, to effect an angular movement and follow the spiral guide surfaces 21 and move into registration with the guide channels 2I whereby the head may pass through the slot and become detached from the bottom section.

As will be readily apparent this construction provides a coupling which is capable of quick connection or detachment and which will afford a secure connection assembly which will not become accidentally disconnected. This device is useful for many purposes in well operation work, being applicable to cable tools, swabbing, as well as pump and like connection work and may be successfully used at any depth in a well.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same and that various changes relative to the material, size, shape and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a coupling device, a head receiving socket section having a longitudinally directed spiral guideway opening through the top and terminating within the bottom of the section, the said section also having a straight longitudinally extending guideway extending from the bottom of the spiral guideway to a shoulder projection short of the top end of the socket section, the said guideways being shaped to turn a complementary head section about a vertical axis as it is lowered longitudinally into the socket section to position the said head section at the bottom of the straight guideway and to allow upward movement thereof in the latter guideway to the said shoulder for effecting releasable connection of the head section with the socket section.

2. In a coupling of the character described, an elongated socket section having a longitudinally directed guide slot extending through the top and having its lower portion spiral shaped, the said socket section also having a straight slot extending longitudinally from the lower end of the spiral slot to a point short of the upper end of said guide slot and terminating in stop projections, a complementary head section adapted for sliding movement through the said slots for releasable connection of the sections, and means in the upper portion of the socket section for guiding the head section into the slot opening therethrough.

3, In a coupling of the character described, an elongated socket section having a longitudinally directed guide slot extending through the top and having its lower portion spiral shaped, the said socket section also having a straight slot extending longitudinally from the lower end of the spiral slot to a point short of the upper end of said guide slot and terminating in stop projections, a complementary head section adapted for longitudinal sliding movement through the said slots for releasable connection of the sections, the said head section being flattened and tapering to a point at the bottom thereof, the opposed 1ongitudinal edges of the said head section being beveled, the upper portion of the socket section having a tapered bore leading into said guide slot, and a pair of spiral shaped ribs formed on the tapered bore to guide the head section into the said guide slot.

JOSEPH W. CAMMACK. 

